For the first time in its 157-year history, the Siebel Institute of Technology is relocating from Chicago to Montreal, taking its brewing classrooms with it. Founded in 1868, the historic academy has shaped generations of master brewers from more than 60 countries. Its exit signals a dramatic shift in the brewing world, fueled by escalating visa restrictions that now block many international students from studying in the United States.
As General Manager John Hannafan warned, “Recent regulatory changes in the U.S. have made it much more challenging for many of our international students, who have become the majority of our student body, to attend classes in person.”
Here is what is happening and why it matters.
Visa Troubles Push Siebel Out
The tightening of U.S. visa rules in 2025 created a pressure point that ultimately led to Siebel’s relocation decision. Between January and November 2025, the State Department revoked more than 8,000 student visas, which is more than double the typical annual rate. Over 1,800 students across 280 American colleges and universities lost their F-1 and J-1 status during the same period, cutting off essential pathways for global learners.
Since international students now make up the majority of Siebel’s enrollment, the impact was immediate and severe. The Department of Homeland Security then proposed new limits in August 2025, capping student visas at four years, shortening grace periods, and increasing SEVIS oversight.
These changes created an environment that Siebel could no longer navigate, prompting Hannafan to explain that “the relocation of North America classroom operations to Montreal allows us to pivot without sacrificing the student experience.”
A Historic Loss for Chicago Brewing
Chicago’s reputation as a cornerstone of American beer history is deeply intertwined with Siebel’s legacy. Generations of industry leaders have trained there, including Greg Hall of Goose Island and Ray Daniels, creator of the Cicerone certification program. The city now faces a significant cultural and educational gap. As Beer Culture Center Executive Director Liz Garibay put it, “It is truly an institution in Chicago.”
This departure arrives at a difficult time for the craft beer sector. The United States is home to approximately 9,800 craft breweries, nearly all of which rely on Siebel-trained professionals to maintain quality and consistency. Without a local facility offering specialized instruction, the talent pipeline becomes more strained, and breweries across the country may struggle to find equally rigorous training options.
Montreal Steps Into the Spotlight
Montreal is positioned to gain considerably from Siebel’s arrival. Quebec’s brewing ecosystem comprises approximately 300 breweries, which collectively generate roughly $3 billion in annual economic output. The new Siebel campus, located at 3035 rue Sainte-Catherine E, will sit near the historic 1786 Molson brewery, which ties the institute to one of the oldest commercial brewing operations in the world.
The move also sparks economic growth. International students typically spend about $35,000 per year in their host communities. With Siebel’s global student base relocating, Montreal stands to receive substantial financial activity. The city’s bilingual culture and supportive environment for international learners make it especially attractive for students from Europe, Asia, and Latin America who want accessible and stable training opportunities.
Programs Continue Without Disruption
Siebel’s transition to Montreal preserves the integrity of its brewing education. The new campus is integrated with the Lallemand Baking Academy and the Application Technology Training Facility. These combined resources enhance fermentation-related instruction and streamline operational costs. Students can still enroll in programs ranging from five-day intensives to twenty-week courses with no interruption.
International partnerships remain intact as well. Through the World Brewing Academy, Siebel continues to collaborate with Doemens Academy in Munich. Managing Director Dr. Werner Gloßner affirmed this commitment, saying, “We fully support this move and look forward to many more years of successful collaboration.” Students now gain even more flexibility through dual learning pathways that blend North American and German brewing traditions.
Ripple Effects for U.S. Competitiveness
Siebel’s departure carries broader consequences for higher education and the American economy. The United States benefits heavily from international learners, who contribute an estimated $44 billion annually.
If visa restrictions continue to tighten, other specialized programs in medicine, engineering, and advanced research may face similar pressure to leave the country. Such shifts could create economic ripple effects in retail, food service, and healthcare support due to reduced student spending.
For students from more than 60 countries, Montreal offers a practical and stable alternative. This ensures continuity for hundreds of aspiring brewers each year while U.S. institutions face growing uncertainty. As more students pursue education abroad, Chicago and other American cities may experience a brewing talent shortage that affects consistency, innovation, and industry growth.
A New Chapter for North American Brewing
Siebel’s relocation marks a turning point for the brewing world and reflects the expanding influence of Canadian innovation. Montreal stands to attract more international brewing enthusiasts, research investment, and tourism, reshaping its role in global beer culture. The shift also highlights how education and immigration policy can redefine industry landscapes across borders.
After 157 years in Chicago, the Siebel Institute enters a new era that preserves opportunity for students and strengthens its global partnerships. For the U.S. brewing sector, the loss underscores the importance of accessible training and flexible policies that support international expertise.
For Canada, the gains show how stability and inclusivity can fuel growth. The story of Siebel’s move illustrates the powerful connection between policy decisions and the future of North American craft beer.
Sources
Financial Post / Reuters, 26 November 2025
Al Jazeera, 28 August 202
Inside Higher Ed / Reuters, April 2025
U.S. Federal Register, Department of Homeland Security, 27 August 2025
U.S. Court Records: Judge Allison Dale Burroughs, 23 May 2025
Association des Brasseurs du Québec reporting
Siebel Institute official announcement, 20 November 2025